The Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act

Ontario passed a new law for developmental services in 2008, called the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act (2008).

This law replaces the Developmental Services Act. The new law helps to encourage people with developmental disabilities to participate in their communities and supports them in using their skills and abilities at home, at work and in other places. It also sets out rules for agencies and people that receive government funding.

The new law is different in a few important ways:

It uses new, modern language. • The new law talks about “services” and “supports,” which give people more choices and increase their independence.

It uses a simpler application and assessment process. • Developmental Services Ontario agencies use the same forms, meet the same standards and use the same fair processes across Ontario. • One application form can help people obtain developmental services and supports. Developmental Services Ontario agencies will update your personal information every five years–or when your situation changes.

It includes person-directed planning. • The government will provide funding to help people prepare life plans that describe their goals. These plans will help them to use services and supports to accomplish their goals and to participate in their communities.

It will allow people to receive direct funding. •The government provides funding to allow people to purchase their own supports (such as choosing and hiring their own support workers) if they prefer.

It gives a new definition for “developmental disabilities.” • Developmental Services Ontario agencies have a new way to decide who can use services and supports. This process considers a person’s intellectual abilities and also looks at the kinds of things they need help with every day.

It sets out clear rules to increase accountability. • There are rules that must be followed by agencies and people who receive funding. This lets the government take action if there are serious health, safety or financial concerns and helps us make sure that tax dollars are used well and people are supported properly.

It gives the government the right to collect personal information. • The government collects personal information about people applying for services and supports. This information is only used to help plan for the future by telling us what kind of services people need most.